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My Favorite Places Online
- My Friends Who Write
- Mystery/Suspense/Thriller Writers I Like (but Don’t Really Know)
- Favorite Writing Organizations
- Favorite Conferences
- Favorite Webloops
- Favorite Blogs About Writing or the Publishing Industry
- Favorite Sites Dealing with the Industry
- Photography
- Other Cool Spots
My Friends Who Write
- Lori Armstrong: This site is for Lori’s mysteries. She also writes steamy western romances under the name Lorelei James.
- Nichole Bennett: Paranormal mysteries!
- David Fingerman: David’s character Spyder is one of the most original I’ve ever read.
- Patricia Gibson-Griffin: (Post-apocalyptic Christian fiction. Really.
- Craig Johnson: Sign up for his Post-It notes at the website. They’re great.
- Helen Montgomery: One of the best editors in the business.
Mystery/Suspense/Thriller Writers I Like
(but Don’t Really Know)
When I read for pleasure/relaxation, I most often look for these authors’ books. I do read other types of fiction and nonfiction, too, but try to read mysteries to keep up with what’s going on in my “field.”
- Jan Burke: Flight is my favorite.
- Lee Child: Jack Reacher. Unusual character, sometimes over the top.
- Harlan Coben: The master of family-in-peril suspense.
- Margaret Coel
- Deborah Crombie
- Sean Doolittle: Dirt is still one of my all-time favorites.
- K. J. Erickson: Try The Last Witness. Great stuff.
- Brian Freeman
- Bryan Gruley: If you like hockey, you’ll love this book.
- Gregg Hurwitz
- Alex Kava: Maggie O’Dell is one of my favorite characters.
- William Kent Krueger: I’ve read them all.
- Dennis Lehane: The master. Period. If you haven’t’ read The Given Day, you’re missing out on a fabulous experience.
- P. J. Parrish:These sisters are probably my favorite writers.
- Cornelia Read: The Crazy School is fabulous. Memorable characters.
- Karin Slaughter: Though her books are sometimes disturbingly violent, I think Ms. Slaughter’s writing is great and her characters are real – and sometimes disturbingly violent.
- P. J. Tracy: The cast of characters reminds me of a great ensemble TV drama like “ER” or “NCIS.”
Favorite Writing Organizations
Favorite Conferences
- Nebraska Summer Writers Conference: This is a week-long and/or weekend conference in Lincoln, NE. I’ve learned a lot from the top-drawer instructors, and have met some wonderful writers.
- University of Wisconsin Writers Institute: A three-day conference in Madison, WI. Excellent presentations and panels. I’ve made myself stretch by going to presentations on creative nonfiction, poetry and children’s literature as well as more standard stuff.
- Mayhem in the Midlands: An intimate conference for mystery/suspense/thriller fans and authors. Lots of fun. In Omaha!
Favorite Webloops
- DorothyL: Nearly 3,500 members, many with very interesting opinions.
- Murder Must Advertise: Great tips on marketing your work.
Favorite Blogs About Writing or the Publishing Industry
- Confessions of an Idiosyncratic Mind: Insightful discussion of the publishing industry.
- Meanderings and Muses: Moderated by Kaye Barley, a DorothyL treasure. Lots of guests, lively chat.
- Pub Rants: Agent Kristin Nelson’s blog. Information about the industry and, especially, about getting an agent.
- The Writer’s Forensic Blog
Favorite Sites Dealing with the Industry
- Publishers Marketplace: A bit expensive, but worth it.
- Agent Query: Indispensable.
- Preditors & Editors: A place to check out anybody and everybody in the industry. Are they for real? Are they reputable? Here’s a place to start.
- Science Fiction Writers of America: Next go to the “beware” page at SFWA. More warnings about scam artists.
- Minnesota Reads:
- Association of Author Representatives: Everybody who’s a member is reputable.
Photography
There are dozens of “wow” sites, but these are my favorites. Mostly I work on nature photography, but one of these days I’ll give people a whirl.Other Cool Spots
- Featherproof Books: Cool website, great stuff
- Pennington County, SD, Planning and Zoning Department